Is whiskey keto? How many carbs are in whiskey? If you are following a ketogenic diet, you might be curious about which alcoholic beverages are keto-friendly.

Whiskey is a popular choice among those who follow a low-carb, high-fat diet. In this post, we will explore the carb content of whiskey and its nutritional macros. We will also share with you some keto-friendly whiskey drink recipes.
What Is Whiskey?
Whiskey is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented grain mash, including barley, corn, rye, and wheat.
The distillation process removes most of the carbohydrates, leaving behind a spirit that is high in alcohol content.
What is A Keto Diet?
The ketogenic diet requires a low-carb intake to achieve a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of glucose.
A strict keto diet requires you to consume 70-80% of daily calories from fat, 10-20% from protein, and less than 10% from carbs. This translates to a daily intake of fewer than 50 grams of carbs, although some people may aim for even fewer.
Is Whiskey Keto-Friendly?
Yes, whiskey is a keto-friendly alcoholic beverage because it has no carbs. However, it’s important to consume whiskey in moderation to avoid consuming too many calories and potentially derailing your keto diet.
Other whiskeys such as spiced and flavored whiskies may contain added sugar or other carb sources like honey, making them not an ideal choice for those following a keto diet.
How Many Net Carbs In Whiskey?
According to USDA, one jigger(1.5 oz) of whiskey contains zero carbs. This makes whiskey a great option for those on a keto diet.
Serving Size | Net Carbs |
1 Jigger | 0 grams |
1 ounce | 0 grams |
1 drink | 0 grams |
Does Whiskey Contain Sugar?
Whiskey does not contain any added sugar. However, some types of whiskey may have a slightly sweet taste due to the grains used in the distillation process.
What Can You Mix With Whiskey For Keto?
While whiskey can be consumed neat or on the rocks, some people prefer to mix it with other ingredients. For a keto-friendly whiskey cocktail, try mixing whiskey with soda water or a sugar-free mixer such as diet ginger ale or diet cola.
Carbs In Different Types Of Whiskey
Different types of whiskey have varying amounts of carbs. Here is a breakdown of the carb count in some popular types of whiskey:
- Bourbon: 0 carbs
- Scotch: 0 carbs
- Irish Whiskey: 0 carbs
- Rye Whiskey: 0 carbs
Best Alcohol To Drink On A Keto Diet
In addition to whiskey, there are several other keto-friendly alcoholic beverages. These include:
High-Carb Alcohol To Avoid
Some alcoholic beverages are high in carbs and should be avoided on a keto diet. These include beer, sweet wines and liqueurs. Here is the carb content for every 1-oz serving:
- Beer: 1g carbs
- Sweet wines: 4g carbs
- Liqueurs: 12.5g carbs
Whiskey Nutrition (Macros)
Here is the nutritional breakdown of one jigger (1.5 oz) of whiskey according to USDA.
- Carbs: 0 grams
- Fats: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Calories: 97
FAQ
How many carbs are in a shot of whiskey?
The classic whiskey does not contain any carbs. However, note that some flavored whiskeys may contain added sugars or other ingredients that could increase their carb count.
Does whiskey have carbs?
As mentioned above, pure whiskey does not contain any carbs. It is made by distilling fermented grain mash, which removes all the sugars and carbohydrates. The final product is high in alcohol and low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
Can I drink whiskey on a low-carb diet?
Yes, you can drink whiskey on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Whiskey is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a drink while keeping their carb intake low.
Conclusion
Whiskey is a great option for those following a ketogenic diet because it is low in carbs and can be consumed in moderation. When drinking whiskey on a keto diet, it is important to be mindful of your total calorie intake and to avoid mixing it with high-carb mixers.
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Keto Whiskey Drink Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whiskey
- 2 ounces ginger ale
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Mix together ginger ale and whiskey in a glass with ice.
- Serve and enjoy!
Matt says
Sorry that had a harsh tone and I didn’t mean to direct that at you, so ignore that comment and please use the one I send next.
Thanks
Matt